All country guides
- Capital
- Porto Novo
- Dialing Code
- + 229
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +1
- Language
- French
- Best Time to Go
- January & February
- Currency
- West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Travel Tips
- Currents are extremely strong along the coast and drownings frequently occur
- Credit cards have limited acceptance
- Many local languages are also spoken, English is understood in some areas
- All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated, milk is unpasteurised
Last updated 28 September 2026
Visa Guide
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1, 8 - 9
March: 20
April: 6
May: 1, 14, 25, 27
August: 1, 15, 26
September: 5
November: 1
December: 25
Visa Requirements
No visas are required for visits of up to 30 days for SA passport holders
Should you require a visa, you can apply online: evisa.bj
Entry Requirements
- Original valid passport with at least 6 (six)months of validity period
- Yellow fever vaccination card
- A letter of invitation
- Proof of accommodation
- Return ticket
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
Maison N5, Les Cocotiers, Cotonou, Republic of Benin
Telephone: +229 21 30 72 17 / 21 30 68 95
Email: rsaembassybenin@dirco.gov.za